Greater New Orleans

New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro will play more defined role in 2014

New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) intercepts a fourth quarter pass during the game between the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013.
(Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

Orlando, Fla. -- The duo of New Orleans Saints defenders Kenny Vaccaro and Jairus Byrd should give the team one of the most formidable pair of safeties in the NFL. It also should give the Saints a little more stability at safety as well.

Saints coach Sean Payton said Vaccaro played in several different roles through the 2013 season thanks to injuries to Roman Harper and Malcolm Jenkins. Payton anticipates a more defined role for the Saints' 2013 first-round pick.

"As for Jairus and Kenny, I think there's a clear vision of how we want you use them, and that's important. ... Kenny played in a lot of spots last year," Payton said Wednesday at the NFL owners meetings. "I think he'll play in less of those spots this year. ...

"That vision this year will be a little more clearer."

Vaccaro's rookie season ended with an ankle injury in Week 16 at Carolina after playing in different roles at safety and served as a nickel cornerback as well. Payton said Vaccaro continues a rehab routine and it's "going well."

Vaccaro compiled 79 total tackles, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble in 14 games (all starts).